All-inclusive Set

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The sixth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 43. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Send me your light and ·truth [faithfulness] to ·guide [lead] me. Let them ·lead [bring] me to your holy mountain [Zion, the location of the Temple], to ·where you live [your dwelling]. Psalm 43:3 (EXB)

Send your light and your truth.  Let them guide me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place. Psalm 43:3 (GW)

Light and Truth. An all inclusive set. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation. Who is there to fear? The Lord is my life’s fortress. Who is there to be afraid of? Psalm 27:1 (GW)

You are the lamp who lights my way; the Eternal, my God, lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:28 (VOICE)

Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. I will keep my solemn promise to obey your just instructions. Psalm 119: 105-106 (GNT)

"Light and Truth." Delightful and all-comprehensive words. They contain all the salvation and all the desire of a believing, confiding soul. But it is only when thus combined - separated they are no longer a ground of trust and joy. For what would favour avail without faithfulness? It would be no more than the uncertain friendship of men, who smile today and reproach tomorrow; who make large promises, but do not perform them. On the other hand, truth without light, faithfulness without grace, would be only the dreadful execution of terrible but just denunciations on the transgressors of the holy law. The promise of the Great Deliverer was given; then faithfulness was enlisted on the side of grace, and became engaged for its bestowment; "mercy and truth met together; righteousness and peace kissed each other." Since then, all humble and trusting souls have beheld them united, and have made their union the ground of their confidence and joy. Henry March

Light and Truth. An all-inclusive, all-comprehensive set. "Mercy and truth met together; righteousness and peace kissed each other."

Shine Jesus Shine

Don Moen

Lord, the light of your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness, shining

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us

Set us free by the truth you now bring us

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence

From the shadows into your radiance

By the blood I may enter your brightness

Search me, try me, consume all my darkness

Shine on me, shine on me

As we gaze on your kingly brightness

So our faces display your likeness

Ever changing from glory to glory

Mirrored here may our lives tell your story

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine Jesus Shine

To create a positive day, I must accept God’s all inclusive set of  Light and Truth, and then act accordingly! 

You can hear me, now!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 29. Here is what I learned.

The voice of the Lord rolls over the water. The God of glory thunders. The Lord shouts over raging water. Psalm 29:3 (GW)

The Lord’s voice [thunder] is heard over the ·sea [waters; a symbol of chaos]. The glorious God thunders; the Lord thunders over the ·ocean [many/mighty waters]. Psalm 29:3 (EXB)

"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters." The thunder is not only poetically but instructively called "the voice of God," since it peals from on high; it surpasses all other sounds, it inspires awe, it is entirely independent of man, and has been used on some occasions as the grand accompaniment of God's speech to Adam's sons. There is peculiar terror in a tempest at sea, when deep calleth unto deep, and the raging sea echoes to the angry sky. No sight more alarming than the flash of lightning around the mast of the ship; and no sound more calculated to inspire a reverent awe than the roar of the storm. 

"The Lord is upon many waters." Still the Psalmist's ear hears no voice but that of Jehovah, resounding from the multitudinous and dark waters of the upper ocean of clouds, and echoing from the innumerable billows of the storm-tossed sea below. The waters above and beneath the firmament are astonished at the eternal voice. When the holy Spirit makes the divine promise to be heard above the many waters of our soul's trouble, then is God as glorious in the spiritual world as in the universe of matter. Above us and beneath us all is the peace of God when he gives us quiet. The Treasury of David

Chaos. Noise. Confusion. Anarchy. Pandemonium. Tumult. Turmoil. 

It’s amazing how chaos can rob me of the peace that God has given me. My chaos can be caused by focusing on the “what ifs”, or focusing me how I’ll fix things, instead of trusting God to take care of things. Man-made chaos creates noise, confusion, restlessness, and disharmony. The longer I remain in a state of chaos, the more overwhelmed and depressed I become. 

Thankfully, God’s love and peace is “louder” than any noise my chaos can produce. God “thunders” through my created mess, and assures me of His presence, and that He hasn’t gone anywhere, and had no plans to leave me or abandon me. 

“Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 (MSG)

No matter how loud the noise of my chaos is around me, I know I’ll have a positive day, when I hear, “You can hear me, now!” spoken by my Almighty, loving God.

Forever Unchangeable

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fourth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 19. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The fear of the Lord is pure. It endures forever. The decisions of the Lord are true. They are completely fair. Psalm 19:9 (GW)

·Respect [Fear] for the Lord [Prov. 1:7] is ·good [pure]; it will ·last [endure] forever. The judgments of the Lord are true; they are ·completely [altogether] ·right [righteous]. Psalm 19:9 (EXB)

God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. Psalm 19:9 (MSG)

"The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether;" - jointly and severally the words of the Lord are true; that which is good in detail is excellent in the mass; no exception may be taken to a single clause separately, or to the book as a whole. God's judgments, all of them together, or each of them apart, are manifestly just, and need no laborious excuses to justify them. The judicial decisions of Jehovah, as revealed in the law, or illustrated in the history of his providence, are truth itself, and commend themselves to every truthful mind; not only is their power invincible, but their justice is unimpeachable. The Treasury of David

“The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.” Psalm 19:9 (MSG) God’s Word is not only accurate, but enduring. God does not change, and neither does His Word. 

Lately people have been saying that the Bible is out of date, and needs to evolve and change with time. However, God’s Word is based upon a Holy God. God’s Word does not need to evolve to fit the whim of man. The Bible it not about making us feel good, rather it is to show us who we are—sinners, and show us who God is—a Holy Savior. 

As much as we can think we can change God’s Word, we can’t. It’s steadfast and true. God judgments are just, and based upon a Holy God. No matter what man thinks should change because it make us feel good, the truth is that God’s Word will not, and cannot change. 

It is this steadfast truth, that God’s judgments are fair and for eternity, that we can be assured of the promises God has made. If we think we can change the parts of the Bible we don’t like, what happens to the promises we do like? It’s all inclusive. God’s Word is true, just, and is forever. 

Knowing with full assurance that God’s judgments and promises are forever unchangeable makes for a positive day!

Wish List

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 16. Here is what I learned.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Without you, I have nothing good.” Psalm 16:2 (GW)

I say to the Lord, You are my Lord; I have no good beside or beyond You. Psalm 16:2 (AMP)

And I have said, “Only you are my Lord! Every good thing I have is a gift from you.” Psalm 16:2 (CEV)

"My good is nowhere except in thee; I have no source of good of any kind - happiness, hope, life, safety, salvation - but in thee. My good is not without thee." This accords with the idea in the other member of the sentence, where he acknowledges Yahweh as his Lord; in other words, he found in Yahweh all that is implied in the idea of an object of worship - all that is properly expressed by the notion of a God. He renounced all other gods, and found his happiness - his all - in Yahweh. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

It is a greater glory to us that we are allowed to serve God, than it is to him that we offer him that service. He is not rendered happy by us; but we are made happy by him. He can do without such earthly servants; but we cannot do without such a heavenly Master. William Secker

There are times when I find myself thinking and yes, maybe even wishing, some things were different in my life. Having a husband, less pain, more money to buy things I’d like, and the list continues. And if I allow myself to dwell on the things I don’t have, and that are really out of my control, I find myself becoming miserable. That’s when I remind myself of the Children of Israel. Each time they looked around at what other Nations had, or looked at their current circumstances while forgetting where they’ve been, they started to murmur and complain. Whey they wanted a King, because all the other Nations had one, God said, OK I’ll give you a King. And then problems followed. 

I don’t want to get my “wishes” if they are not God’s best! I don’t want to settle for second, or third options. God has and will continue to shower me with gifts—exactly what I need for the very moment. God has an endless supply of gifts and He knows much better than I what I need for this moment, day, time in my life. 

When my wish list is focused on me and me only, than I’m heading for trouble. But when I make sure my wish list is God-focused, I know full well that every wish will come true. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my wish list is God focused, and rejoice in the fact that God has given me and will continue to give me everything I need. A day filled with God’s gifts is a positive day! 

Approved and Appointed to Accomplish

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The second of each month, I'm studying Psalm 4. Here's what Treasure I found today.

You know that the Lord has ·chosen [set apart; distinguished] for himself those who are loyal to him [in covenant relationship with him].The Lord listens when I ·pray [call] to him. Psalm 4:3 (EXB)

Know that the Lord singles out godly people for himself. The Lord hears me when I call to him. Psalm 4:3 (GW)

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness]. The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 (AMP)

Chosen: separate, set apart, sever; a primitive root; to distinguish (literally or figuratively) -- put a difference, show marvellous, set apart, make wonderfully. 

Chosen: Part of Speech: adjective Definition: preferred

Chosen, accepted: Part of Speech: adjective Definition: generally agreed upon

Chosen, destined: Part of Speech: adjective Definition: en route, on the road to

Being chosen by God doesn’t mean that I just sit and do nothing. Being chosen is an honor, but also comes with responsibilities. I’ve been chosen, that means approved and appointed to accomplish God’s plan. 

God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends. He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 (GW)

As I think of being "Approved and Appointed to Accomplish" it sure helps put the past 13 years living in chronic pain in perspective. God has chosen me, but with that comes responsibility to accomplish His will. It's not about me, rather it's to be about Him and sharing His love with those around me. This is another good lesson for me to remember as I prepare and face back surgery number 12 on April 29th. I'm not "just going in for surgery" rather, I have a “designed by God appointment”—God has approved and appointed me to accomplish His specific plan and to let each person I meet know about my amazing God. 

The Lord has chosen, approved and appointed me to accomplish a specific plan He has designed for me. Knowing that I’m approved and appointed to accomplish God’s will, makes a very positive day! 

Leave the Driving to Him—I’m Just Along for the Ride!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

The ·nations [peoples] should be glad and sing because you judge people fairly. You ·guide [lead] all the ·nations [peoples] on earth. ·Selah Psalm 67:4 (EXB)

May all nations celebrate together, singing joy-filled songs of praise to You because You judge the people fairly and give guidance to all the nations of the earth. Psalm 67:4 (VOICE)

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly and guide, lead, or drive the nations upon earth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 67:4 (AMP)

Guide: to lead, direct, to transport.

God will guide, lead, transport me in accordance to His will and purpose. As I read this verse, I thought, I’m along for the ride! God will do the “driving” so to speak. I just have to be willing to join Him and allow Him to lead and transport me! 

God has given me an amazing friend, who graciously and willing drives me to my doctors’ appointments and surgeries. When we go to a  new office, we have a choice. We can just drive around and hope we find the office, or we can print out the directions and maps and then know where we are headed and arrive at our destination. Really, my part is easy, I just read the directions, and recline back and relax. My friend, navigates the traffic, the road construction, detours, etc. But I have learned to trust my friend. I know that she will get us to our destination. 

The same can be true in life. If I allow God to guide, transport, “drive” me, then I can relax knowing full-well that He will get me to the destination He has chosen. However, many times I find myself wanting to do one of two things, 1) jump out and go my own way, or 2) move over into the driver's seat. However, either of those two choices will result in many delays, detours, and perhaps even heartache and/or misery. 

To create a positive day, I simply have to join God and leave the driving to Him—I’m just along for the ride!

Many Reasons to Rejoice!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The thirty-first of each month, I'm studying Psalm 126. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we ·are very glad [rejoice]. Psalm 126:3 (EXB)

We shook our heads. All of us were stunned—the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful. Psalm 126:3 (VOICE)

Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful. Psalm 126:3 (YLT)

Psalm 126:3 is a great verse for today, Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. For God has done GREAT things for us and we have many reasons to rejoice!

Christ himself suffered for sins ·once [or once for all; [only his suffering has the power to redeem others]. ·He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty [the righteous for the unrighteous] to bring you to God. ·His body was killed [He was put to death in the flesh/body], but he was made alive in the ·spirit [or Spirit; at his resurrection in a glorified body]. 1 Peter 3:18 (EXB) 

[For] The love of Christ ·controls [compels; drives] us, because we ·know [are convinced; have concluded] that One died for all, so all have died [we died spiritually with Christ, the penalty for our sins]. Christ died for all so that those who live would ·not continue to [no longer] live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised from the dead.

[So; As a result] From ·this time [now] on we do not think of anyone ·as the world does [or from a merely human perspective; [according to the flesh]. [Although] In the past we thought of Christ ·as the world thinks [or as nothing more than a man; according to the flesh], but we no longer think of him in that way. If anyone belongs to Christ, ·there is a new creation [the new creation has arrived; or that person has become a new creation]. The old things have gone; [look; behold] ·everything is made new [the new has come]! All this is from God, who through Christ ·made peace between us and [reconciled us to] himself, and gave us the ·work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him [ministry/service of reconciliation]. 2 Corinthians 5:14-18 (EXB)

Christ suffered and endured the death on the cross as payment for my sin (and your sin). Only a holy, sacrifice would pay the penalty for sin in full, and Jesus Christ paid our debt. But because God has power over sin and death, Jesus Christ now lives and I too can enjoy eternal life! 

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. John 3:16-18 (GNT)

To create a positive day, I need to remember the sacrifice Jesus Christ paid on my behalf, and enjoy the benefits of God’s gift of salvation! It’s Resurrection Sunday—the Lord has done GREAT things for us, and we have many reasons to rejoice!